Michael Altomari – Admissions Officer

Advice to incoming Mavericks: It's repetitive but get involved and step out of your comfort zone! When I was in high school I always wanted to play lacrosse but was worried that I wouldn't cut it on the club team in high school. I came to campus and called the team up. The team was awesome! It was one of the best decisions I made in college! I didn't just learn lacrosse; I learned time management, leadership, and effective communication skills.The most frequently played song on your iPod: My musical tastes are all over the place, but I tend to lean a bit more towards heavier music like Metallica or Led Zeppelin. I grew up listening to bands like the Beach Boys, Beatles, and Rolling Stones; those bands have a really special place in my heart.What was your first job: Working at a gymnastics gym registering people for classes and helping to answer questions and in the off chance that one of the coaches weren't there I had to sub for them, which is really scary…I don't know how to do any gymnastics so when I did sub it was basically just 50 minutes of play time!What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: I was born in Michigan and they have Coney Island hot dog restaurants all over the place. Apparently I aspired to be a Coney Island chef. The best thing about MSU is: The people! The faculty and staff genuinely care about the students' success here, which creates a great atmosphere and a tremendous learning environment.Describe MSU in one word: SupportiveCookies…crunchy or soft: Definitely soft.When you aren't working what are you doing: I spend a ton of time with my family. We like to stay as active as we can. I play a lot of golf and softball during the summer as well as fish. During the winter we love snowmobiling and ice fishing.

Diane Berge, Ph.D. – Associate Director of Admissions

Education: B.A. Education (French and Vocal Music), University of Minnesota-Morris M.S. Counseling and Student Personnel, Minnesota State University, Mankato Ph.D. Educational Policy and Administration, University of MinnesotaFavorite thing about Minnesota State University, Mankato: The large but personal flavor of our small campus with challenging programs from liberal arts to high technology.Favorite thing about the community: A comfortable, smaller town feel but with many amenities of larger citiesFavorite Campus Activity: I have enjoyed shotokan karate training and Madrigal singers.

Emily Harrison – Admissions Officer

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Step outside of your comfort zone. Make the most of your college experience through participating in classroom discussions, get involved in student organizations, and if you can study abroad!The most frequently played song on your iPod: currently, "Us Against the World"- Coldplay. I just got over a pretty serious phase of listening to "Thrift Shop"-Macklemore & Ryan Lewis repetitively (it's still a favorite though).What was your first job: I was a youth tennis coach for my local tennis association.What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: I would be a nurseThe best thing about MSU is: Students receive a great value for their education which is reflected by the supportive faculty, new facilities and all of the services that are available to students.Describe MSU in one word: EngagingCookies…crunchy or soft: Soft! If the cookie is crunchy, I immediately throw it in the microwave because nobody wants a cookie to be 1.cold and 2.crunchy. When you aren't working what are you doing: Hanging out with friends, family and my dog Roo, playing tennis, gardening and working on art projects.

Paulette Kimber – Admissions Officer

Advice to incoming Mavericks: My advice to incoming Mavericks would be to be open minded. College is a great time to explore what your interest are, try new things, and meet new people from all over the globe. It may seem at first, but trust me… If you stick to it, you will have a lifetime of memories!The most frequently played song on your iPod: I can't choose just ONE! I'm a big R&B junkie. I love Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Brandy, Letoya Luckett, Usher, Tamar Braxton, Toni Braxton, Monica, Elle Varner… and the list goes on!What was your first job: My first job was working with a company called Tree Trust. Outside cleaning up highways and planting, long story short I quit after 3 days!What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: If I listened to my 6 year old self Oprah would have a run for her money! I would be the best talk show host on television. Watch out daytime, here comes Ms. Paulette! =)The best thing about MSU is: On campus fairs because it's almost always a guarantee that there will be free. Also, I love when it gets warm out and everyone is outside barbequing, rollerblading, on walks, and doing other activities. It just makes Mankato feel a little more like home.Describe MSU in one word: MAVPRIDECookies…crunchy or soft: Not a huge cookie person. CANDY all the way. If I had to choose a cookie, I would say crunchy on the outside and soft in the inside.When you aren't working what you are doing: When I'm not working or thinking about work (which often happened ;) I'm singing so loud my neighbors can probably hear me, on my cell phone (go figure), shopping, cooking, camping (I know right!), hanging out with family and friends, and enjoying life.

Colleen Hansen – Twin Cities Recruiter

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Get involved with campus activities and organizations! Meet as many people as you can - it will make your college experience!The most frequently played song on your iPod: Anything and everything ColdplayWhat was your first job: LifeguardWhat job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: DoctorThe best thing about MSU is: The amazing faculty, staff, and students.Describe MSU in one word: RemarkableCookies…crunchy or soft: Soft

Abby Ellis – Admissions Officer

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Get to know your professors, meet with your advisor every semester, stay organized, get involved on campus, and take advantage of every opportunity!The most frequently played song on your iPod: "I'm in a Hurry" Alabama.What was your first job: My first job was nannying which I did for 6 summers.What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: I would be a day care provider.The best thing about MSU is: The opportunities that come from the diversity of majors, student organizations, and people on campus.Describe MSU in one word: Self-empoweringCookies…crunchy or soft: Soft!!!When you aren't working what are you doing: I am on Pinterest, pretending I will be able to accomplish the crafts I pin! I also enjoy going for walks around Mankato, spending time at my parents cabin on weekends, and scrapbooking.

Matt Sidmore – Assistant Director

Advice to incoming Mavericks: Get involved! We have over 200 clubs/organizations to choose from, and the quickest way to get connected to the campus and meet others is by getting involved right away.The most frequently played song on your iPod: I love all kinds of music, and being from Boston, we had an awesome music scene. Minneapolis has been no different, and I have found some awesome local bands out here. Lately my most played song has been "Rough" by Apollo Cobra a band coming out of Minneapolis.What was your first job: I was 13, and I had two paper routes. I actually made a lot of money for a 13 year old kid…What job would you have if you listened to your 6 year old self: Professional Golfer. I have played since I was a kid. Unfortunately, I love the game more than the game loves me.The best thing about MSU is: The top-notch education our students get in conjunction with our amazing facilities and programs.Describe MSU in one word: OpportunityCookies…crunchy or soft: Soft… Right out of the oven.When you aren't working what are you doing: Grilling, exploring Minnesota, anything sports related, Spending the majority of my time with my wife, my golden retriever, and my family.